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By Andrew Lief Editor-In-Chief | Alief@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

When midnight struck and the date changed to Tuesday, Nov. 25, about 100 SUNY New Paltz students assembled behind Deyo Hall and marched to the University Police Department (UPD) in a state of tangible agitation.

Students chanted “Black Nation on the rise, we gotta educate, agitate, organize”, “Hands Up, don’t shoot”, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud” and “No justice, Mike Brown.”

The protest was formed in response of the St. Louis grand jury’s decision on Nov. 24 not to Wilson in the shooting death of 18-year-old unarmed black teenager Michael Brown on Aug. 9.

Brown’s death caused both peaceful and violent protests, looting and vandalism to take place in Ferguson that have continued since the shooting.

The student protests would be followed by other events on the topic the next week.

The protest was organized by second-year psychology and Black Studies double major Rookie Reynoso, fourth-year sociology major Diana Metz, fourth-year political science major Krys Vargas and fourth-year Black Studies and international relations major Manny Tejada.

About 60 students met prior to midnight people to take pictures, videotape, be mediators if the police got involved, inform people of their rights and to make signs.

“We knew as a collective unit that we had to do this organized and smart,” Metz said.

After about an hour chanting at UPD, the students marched, now with about 200 people, to the Student Union Building (SUB) Concourse.

Here, members of New Paltz’s Urban Lyrics club performed pieces written to resonate with the night’s events.

Throughout the rally, numerous 45-second moments of silence were held in tribute to the 4.5 hours Brown’s body was left on the ground after his death.

At about 1:15 a.m. students marched to New Paltz Justice Court from the SUB concourse, in symbolic protest of the courthouse that Brown’s killer was not indicted in, according to Tejada.

“We have to understand that what’s happening here and across the country is young men and women of color who are being wrongfully accused, convicted and are victims of our justice system,” Tejada said. “We have to understand that we are not disconnected. We live in a society where we believe we are disconnected from everything going on around us and we shouldn’t come together as one.”

Students rally in front of UPD.

PHOTO BY SARAH EAMES

The rally concluded at 2:30 a.m., with about 300 people holding hands and taking one last 45-second moment of silence in front of College and Shango Hall by the Margaret Wade-Lewis tree. Wade-Lewis helped start SUNY New Paltz’s Black Studies program in 1969. followed and observed the students in police cruisers for the majority of the protest, but did not interfere.

Reynoso said seeing about 300 students come together shows that students do have power.

“We were all different, representing different organizations on campus but coming together because we felt the same way about a particular issue. That was truly beautiful to me,” Reynoso said.

After Thanksgiving break, the protest was followed up with the event, “Hands up, walk out” where about 100 students and faculty walked out of class on Monday, Dec. 1 at 1:01 p.m. and went to the Shango Quad for student-led discussions and performances from Urban lyrics members.

The event opened and closed with 45-seconds of silence.

Fourth-year political science major Jordan Taylor, said the walk out was planned at New Paltz on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 30 as part of the national protest to walk out of classes and

work at 1:01 p.m. EST, the time Brown was shot.

Second-year public relations major Samantha Pagan spoke at the walk out about her experience participating in the protests in New York City on Tuesday, Nov. 25. She said seeing a man with a baby on his back screaming “No justice, no ential things she has ever seen.

Pagan also said that people across the world are connected and have people’s backs because of the common link they share of protesting the Ferguson ruling.

Taylor said a lot of people of color receive a talk from their parents about how to interact with police.

“Be mild mannered, be kind, be less than lice,” Taylor said. “We shouldn’t have to do that or deal with that simply because we want to live.”

Taylor also said since 2001 the black student population on campus has decreased from 12 to gation at New Paltz because of black people from New York City and white people from Long Island and upstate who don’t know how to interact with each other culturally. lations and Latin studies double major, said it’s important for people to keep the conversations

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regarding Ferguson going, so the momentum doesn’t stop and people become informed.

Fifth-year business management major Peter Raup-Kounoysky said it’s important to continue educating people on issues taking place in society.

“I don’t want to grow up and have children who are living in a world of fear and propaganda in which it’s okay to label people and to be prejudice,” he said.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, in response to the nonindictment and the initial protest, a public discussion titled “Ferguson, Brown, Wilson and the Aftermath: Disciplinary Conversatons on Race and Policing” led by Black Studies associate professor Karanja Keita Carroll, sociology professor Alexandra Cox and sociology professor Roberto Velez-Velez was held in the Coykendall Science Building auditorium.

Carroll said this public discussion idea stemmed from conversations he has had with Cox and Velez-Velez via text and email and thought it would be good for the campus to have an open dialogue about race and policing.

Carroll said the idea of the public discussion was to start the talk, not solve anything and to keep the conversations going regarding race and policing.

He also said it’s important for students to support them and recommended those allies be New Paltz faculty.

Cox said the criminal justice system is a human system where human beings make decisions based on their beliefs and ideologies. She said it’s not an objective system and is shaped by gender, race and class.

Velez-Velez said what the campus is doing now is a “moment towards a movement.”

“No social change in the United States has happened without having youth behind it,” VelezVelez said. “Change is about time and future time.

Mobilize because this is your time. Students have a very long history of doing it.”

Going forward, Carroll said he’s hoping there will be more public discussions led by faculty and he expects the students to keep the conversations going.

Overall, Tejada said after the sad feelings on the night of the non-indictment, the unity the campus has shown is something that amazed him.

“I’m shell-shocked,” he said. “I’m a fourthyear student and this of one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. Seeing not only the people of color come out, but having the white folk come out and unify us as a campus.”

Additional reporting by Anthony DeRosa

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Complications Continue In Town Hall Relocation

NEWS BRIEFS WORLD

US CRITICISM BOOSTS HUNGARY’S DISSENT MOVEMENT Buoyed by pressure from the United States, throngs of ordinary Hungarians -

US COUPLE CLEARED IN DAUGHTER’S DEATH LEAVES QATAR tion of Qatar on Wednesday after be-

INSIDE KOBANI: WAR CLINIC TREATS ANTI-IS FIGHTERS

-

US: IRAN LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES IN IRAQ AGAINST IS

By Melanie Zerah | Zerahm1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

-

-

The Daily Freeman that the Town

The Daily Freeman, it cost $3,800 per

the war against the extremist group that has beheaded Americans and

factor concerning the energy usage of “This is temporary but if we can

US CRITICISM BOOSTS HUNGARY’S DISSENT MOVEMENT Buoyed by pressure from the United States, throngs of ordinary Hungarians -

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Compiled from the AP Newswire

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Village Board Proposes New Building Standards

By Sam Manzella Copy Editor | Manzells1@hawkamil.newpaltz.edu

The Village of New Paltz discussed the implementation of new building standards by the Village Planning Board during a recent village board meeting.

If passed, these new building standards would require more uniform exteriors of buildings — both residential and commercial — in the village.

The intent is to create a more visually cohesive experience in New Paltz for tourists and locals. Architects and designers would decidedly choose a visual theme for buildings on Main Street to be implemented.

According to The New Paltz Times, Planning Board Chairman Maurice Weitman “envisions standards that will shift some of what the board now suggests to developers into the realm of requirement.” Weitman noted how examples of possible building standards “could include a requirement for a digital rendering of the buildings to give a better understanding of the scope [of building projects].” Weitman pointedly mentioned his desire to “[strive] to include a diverse group of stakeholders”

decisions are made.

“It’s up to us as a community how rigid [these standards] become,” Weitman said.

Amy Cohen, co-owner of The Groovy Blueberry in New Paltz, immediately critiqued these proposals. Cohen said the reasoning behind her opposition to these policies was in part due to concern of losing business.

“What [the local government] means by visually cohesive is that they want to restrict builders and property owners so that what is built or renovated matches what our ‘style’ is,” Cohen said. “[The village] wants to better regulate and control business and property owners, thus making freedom more difAccording to Cohen, there are drastically more important issues that the village government should be addressing instead of these policies.

“Currently, my view is that the village needs help,” Cohen said. “[This help includes] help with better parking signage, help to create downtown public bathrooms and rest areas, help for

for pedestrians, bikers and children, help to better maintain public parks and help to improve these areas. Our village government should be working with local businesses to help improve, not to restrict.”

Cohen believes that the discussion of these building codes points to a greater issue at hand — a “terrible board” whose policies “hurt local business.”

“They pass laws like the ‘plastic bag law’ and they did not even poll business owners,” Cohen said, referencing the board’s controversial ban of plastic bags among businesses within the village. “They just made that law.

This law costs over $5,000 and they could be using this money to help, not hinder. Nobody on this board is a business owner or has a child in this school district. They exist in a vacuum.”

Cohen made her opinion as a local business owner clear.

“Hopefully these laws will not be enacted,” Cohen said. “New Paltz is a cool, artsy place. With these ‘laws,’ we will become a boring ghost town.”

Senate Discusses Reforms For Next Semester

By Sam Manzella Copy Editor | Manzells1@hawkamil.newpaltz.edu

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the 58th Student Senate met for their last meeting of the semester to discuss school policies.

Student Association (SA) President Osato Okundaye opened the meeting with discussion of an upcoming vote on Dec. 10 to potentially ban the sale of plastic water bottles on SUNY New Paltz campus.

“We’re going to use information on student’s preferences on using their own reusable water bottles versus purchasing water on campus [to make a decision],” Okundaye said. “We talked about providing paper cups in the SUB to give students some time to adjust [if the policy is passed].”

Senators noted their annoyance with the shortly upcoming closure of the main

to Vice President of Academic Affairs and Governance Jordan Taylor. This impending closure was especially worrying since senators voiced their concern with the timing well in advance.

Sen. Adriana Dulmage discussed administrator’s plans for the introductory Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies class, Women Images & Realities.

The class is set up with lectures and coordinating sections, she explained, and administrators want to double the size professors who also teach this class in an effort “to save money.” However, these professors and the current structure of this class are well-loved among students and “integral to the whole program” and the decision is “very controversial,” Dulmage said.

Senators also voted in favor of an amendment to the Non-Student Association Programming Bylaw, pitched

by Vice President of Finance Rosemary

Owuo. Now, Greek organizations do not need — something which was ambiguous in the original bylaw — to receive school funding. Greek organizations are still restricted to a max of $500 in funding per semester. Representatives from Greek organizations discussed reasons as to why they requested funding this semester, including decorations for events and various educational programming.

Sen. Brienna Melodie Parsons discussed her two resolutions to combat the erasure of micro-aggressions against transgender and gender non-conforming people. Her resolution condemned SUNY New Paltz’s ability to create a safe environment for diversity. A third resolution was proposed in regards to the changes being made to the Women Images & Realities course. Ultimately, senators chose to adjourn the meeting and revisit these resolutions next semester with more information.

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NEWS BRIEFS NATIONAL

NYC COP IN VIDEOTAPED DEATH: NO INTENT TO HARM Wednesday in the videotaped chokehold death of an unarmed black man stopped for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes, triggering protests in the streets by hundreds of New Yorkers who likened the case to the deadly police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri.

MICHAEL BROWN’S STEPFATHER APOLOGIZES FOR COMMENTS The stepfather of Michael Brown has apologized for angry comments he made after the grand jury decided not to indict but said his remarks had nothing to do with the arson and looting that ravaged Ferguson and the surrounding area.

COURT GRANTS TEXAS PRISONER EXECUTION REPRIEVE

A federal appeals court halted Wednesday’s scheduled execution of a Texas killer whose attempt to subpoena Jesus Christ as a trial witness and other behavior led his attorneys to argue he is too mentally ill for capital punishment.

SEX, DRUGS AND MONEY FUEL JAIL CORRUPTION The leader of a violent gang that controlled life inside one of America’s directed guards motivated by sex and money to smuggle in drugs and cellphones and facilitate attacks on inmates who challenged his authority.

CHEYENNE RUNNERS REMEMBER 1864 MASSACRE One by one, the runners walked by the simple marble gravestone of one of two their ancestors in one of the worst atrocities in the settlement of the West. The Cheyenne and Arapaho runners touched the stone in Denver’s oldest cemetery Wednesday after trekking from the scene of the Sand Creek massacre on the plains about 180 miles away. Their journey marked the 150th anniversary of the attack Compiled from the AP Newswire

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Proposed Pipeline Creates Opposition In Hudson Valley

By Anthony DeRosa News Editor | N02385288@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

On Monday, Nov. 17 a forum opposing the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline Project — a construct of bi-directional underground pipelines spanning 178 miles purposed for between Albany, New York and Linden, New Jersey, crossing the Hudson Valley — was held in Lecture Center 104, focusing on the project’s negative impact on communities the pipeline is set to pass through.

The panel consisted of Rosendale Councilwoman and Citizens for Local Power member, Jen Metzger, Riverkeeper Program Director Phillip Musegaas, Eastern Program Coordinator of Earthworks’ Oil & Gas Accountability Project Nadia Steinzor and Outreach Coordinator for Sane Energy Project Kim Fraczek. Each panelist discussed a different facet of the pipeline’s potential effects if the project is approved.

Criticism for the pipeline project stems largely from the pipeline’s intended purpose of carrying Bakken crude oil — a type of crude oil extracted from North Dakota’s Bakand shown to be more volatile than other extracted oils, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, whose Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration agency oversees pipeline transit operations across the country.

Currently, Bakken crude is transported by rail car and shipping barges from Albany

Phillip Musegaas of Riverkeeper.

PHOTO BY LIZZIE NIMETZ

clashing point, which basically equates it to have claimed that the pipeline would be a safer mode of transportation than rail or barge.

Musegaas disputed this claim and said that when pipeline spills take place, it results in more oil per-mile than rail or barge spills because of the vast difference in volume, though the explosive risk is less when moved by pipeline.

However, Musegaas that even if the pipeline was to be constructed, transport by rail and barge would not decrease, as the pipeline is meant primarily to increase capacity of transporting, not as a replacement to the other means of transportion. Statistically, the more oil that is shipped, the more oil will spill or explode, he said. Musegaas said the current rail tankers employed in oil transport are not equip to handle Bakken crude’s more volatile properties.

“The big issue with Bakken crude is that it has a very high volatility and a very low

gasoline,” Musegaas said. “The tanker cars that rail companies use to transport water and juice are the same ones they use to ship Bakken crude. They are not designed to handle it and as a result we have these accidents.”

Musegaas cited multiple cases of tanker transport accidents, including the Lac-Megantic, Quebec rail disaster in July 2013 in which a freight train carrying Bakken crude resulted in 42 deaths and 30 destroyed buildings.

The current mapping of the pipeline would largely follow the New York State Thruway, affecting Albany, Greene, Orange and Ulster counties. Since early summer, citizen accounts in New York and New Jersey have reported that land surveyors claiming to represent the project’s development company, Pilgrim Pipeline Holdings LLC, have come to

residents’ homes seeking access to their property and threatening legal action should they refuse. aware of the proposed pipeline project after a Rosendale resident who had been contacted by pipeline surveyors informed her of their intentions. “[The resident] received a letter from a company called Pilgrim that was looking to get on their property to survey it for the center line of the pipeline,” Metzger said. “This letter was written in such a way to suggest that the resident didn’t have any choice and that they were being contacted as a courtesy.”

Metzger called the company and identithe company had a legal right to enter people’s private property without permission and on what basis they were allowed that right.

“The answer I got was ‘we are a transportation company and we have rights,’” Metzger

Thursday, December 4, 2014

said. “Basically they didn’t answer the question but I can tell you that they don’t have that right — at least not at the present time.”

Metzger composed a resolution for municipalities opposing the Pilgrim Pipeline, of which the Town of New Paltz has adopted as of Nov. 19. The resolution lists various counincluding environmental, health and safety concerns. Copies of the passed resolution are then forwarded to state and federal governAccording to Metzger, the permitting process for the pipeline’s construction will begin sometime in December. Currently, the proposal is early in its planning stages and ment body, making the presence of surveyors approaching residents “deceitful and kind of bullying.” Metzger advised anyone contacted by pipeline representatives to “just say no.”

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Spring Concert Survey Released

By Melissa Kramer Copy Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Linda Eaton sent out a campus-wide email on behalf of the Student Association Productions (SAP) on Thursday, Nov. 13 which included the 2015 Spring Concert survey.

The concert is hosted by the Student Association Productions, a group of 10 students who are in charge of bringing the annual event to the SUNY New Paltz campus.

SAP has an annual budget of $80,000 to put on the event. Choices are made based off of price, availability and other determining factors. With funds going towards factors such as production, stage set up in Elting Gym, security, marketing, t-shirts, hospitality food and other expenses, only $40,000 is allocated toward paying the entertainers. Each artist on the ballot costs no more than $20,000, Student Association (SA) Vice President of Programming Goldie Harrison, said.

“What the students want is to see more diversity on the stage,” she said. “This led me to think about a music festival theme, where there are a bunch of different genres all in one night, all on one stage, which is hard to do with only $40,000. That’s the reason why we chose artists that are around $20,000 that are known. They’re not completely on the radio every day, but they are known. The ones who are on the radio every

day cost $80,000 to $100,000.”

Harrison said her goal for this year is to have multiple genres take the stage during the night of the concert, which will occur during the weekend of Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26.

“Every school has that one event that everyone looks forward to,” she said. “I really want students to get the chance to experience different cultures all in one night. Instead of the typical hip-hop and R&B the last few years and I know the students are sick of it. It’s a very diverse campus and I know we want to hear something different. That’s what I want to do, I want to give the students what they want, ultimately.”

This year’s survey has 12 options, compared to last year’s six. Harrison said she added an open comment section on the survey and responds to every one. In addition, she plans on releasing the survey data for transparency purposes along with an explanation about it when the new SA website is launched after winter break.

Director of Student Activities Mike Patterson said communication between SAP and students is a key factor in the satisfaction of the greatest number for all involved while going through the survey process. Patterson said his department provides advisement to the SAP group every year. His group reviews the survey before it is released. The survey from SAP writes the questions to get the best feedback and

input from students so it is not misconstrued.

Groups have been sensitive to that over the last few years, he said.

In years past, some SAP groups have put on a festival with two or three modest-level known performers while some groups have put all of their money into getting one elite performer with the most recognition and name appeal, Patterson said. However, the number one performer choice students vote on may not go through for a variety of reasons such as a mutual date agreenew record and the price of their presence increasing.

Harrison said SAP is trying to stretch the budget as much as they can. The group is trying to consider if the Elting Gym allows time availability to have student bands and artists open up.

“There’s a lot of talent in New Paltz,” she and give these students an opportunity of a lifetime to open up for a high-caliber artist.”

Patterson said there are always questions brought up in regards to what entertainers other SUNY schools are bringing in and why SUNY said he believes SAP can depending how they use their funds. SAP’s budget is not much different than any of the other SUNY schools, he said.

“I think some groups have struggled with being able to really present the most mainstream

entertainment that has the broadest appeal,” he said. “It’s really hard to do a mainstream musical act that everybody’s going to like. That’s a tough thing. That’s the biggest challenge a group has every year.”

Harrison said she is going to request more money for Spring Fest next year. She said SAP is allowed to request more funds, but has never taken advantage of it.

“We’ve always complained that we can’t afford any good artists,” she said. “We’re not so limited. We are requesting more funds basically so we can throw a better concert and I hope they understand that. People think we can just make it work. We want to make the students happy.

That’s my goal — to make the students happy.

That’s what I thrive off of. I can’t make them happy with $40,000. There’s nothing we can do with $40,000.”

Patterson said music is an individualized and personalized topic which has such personal mance genre is virtually impossible.

“I think students can sometimes draw lines in the sand regarding entertainment and who the artist is, and the genre it is,” he said. “I think it’s just as much about the student experience as it is about who it is. It can be a really, really big challenge for that body to sort of hone in on something. It’ll be interesting to see where things land.”

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FEATURES Cultural Creations Deepening Danger Overseas

By Samantha Pagan Contributing Writer | Pagans1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

International Education Week is an annual event that focuses on highlighting different cultures that are represented on college campuses nationwide.

International Education Week took place the and included an array of events such as cultural corners at Hasbrouck dining hall by students from Egypt, Japan and India. It also incorporated study abroad information sessions and special events for the members of the International Student Union. tone for the entire week, which included performancFOCUS: Dance Collective and a few solo acts.

The event also included presentations on the Foreign Language Scholar Experience, the Romance Languages Community Experience and the Study sented at the kickoff event were members of the International Student Union (ISU).

International Student Advisor at SUNY New Paltz, Cindy Cullen, made a speech at the kickoff.

She said there are 435 international students enrolled for fall 2014, representing 39 countries.

New Paltz is involved in many partnerships abroad that provide opportunities for students who wish to come and study here.

“The Center for International Programs provides services for international students to study at SUNY New Paltz and for SUNY students to study abroad,” Cullen said. “Currently, we have 140 New Paltz students studying abroad and approximately 400 New Paltz students study abroad per year.”

Festival which was hosted by the International Stuincluded stations from every country represented in the ISU, performances by various dance troupes on campus and a dinner that included traditional foods from the countries represented.

Carlo Fabros, an International Relations student and International student from the Philippines was one of the presenters at the festival. His display on the Philippines included a lot of information on the culture of the country. He already obtained one degree in the Philippines but said that he feels a greater sense of community within the ISU, rather than just in the New Paltz student community.

When it comes to other orgs on campus, Fabros said because he is Filipino, he feels it is harder to assimilate to some of the main stream organizations but that he enjoys being part of the ISU. “Opening up to different cultures is like traveling the world itself,” he said.

PANEL DISCUSSES ISIS TERROR THREAT

By Marissa Losciale Contributing Writer | Loscialm1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu The terrorism organization ISIS has been a force that has created recent global mayhem with their attacks.

On Thursday Nov. 20, the SUNY New Paltz ment of Political Science and International Relations held a panel discussion to talk about these attacks entitled “U.S. Foreign Policy in Regard to ISIS/ISIL/IS.” The panel was comprised of professors Vijay

er military forces. It gives power to those who have felt powerless. It presents a united front of committed

The three professors addressed the threats made by the terrorist group, President Obama’s order of airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria and the actions the U.S. should take in order to defeat the threat. sponsible for the strength of the terrorist group. Similar to Al-Qaeda, ISIS uses mass terror to gain notoriety, prove their purity and attract recruits.

[Turkey] border, getting treated for free and returning to combat,” Prashad said.

He argued that NATO should have forcibly shut down the border immediately. Prashad noted that ISIS has been successful because it is comprised of veterans of the Afghan War and Iraqi War. “The veterans of the Afghan War were trained conspiracists, while veterans of the Iraqi war were skilled tactically and in close combat,” he said.

Close combat training was something “old Al-

said. “It intimidates civilian groups, it intimidates oth-

He said these groups use their appeal to Islam to justify their doings. causing ISIS to thrive. Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Syria are all struggling with internal Prashad condemned the lack of ISIS opposition in Turkey.

Qaeda was lacking, making them unprepared for battle,” Prashad said.

Ketterer criticized President Obama’s order of a series of airstrikes against ISIS targets.

“Airstrikes, alone, can really do very little,” Ketterer said. “They make a lot of great TV, especially with all the cameras mounted on these airplanes, and this blew up, but in reality, it does very little in advancing the cause.”

Ketterer said he believes the only solution to this threat is the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Iran. “Iranians are the real power in Iraq,” he said.

Ketterer also commented on Obama’s decision to work closely with the Iraqi army.

“This is the same Iraqi army that just two weeks before the President gave his speech, took off their uniforms, put down their guns and those who could run away, did, and those who couldn’t run away, unfortunately, were slaughtered,” he said. “This is not an spent years and billions of dollars to train and to stand up and it has been an utter failure.”

Wear, Tear, Don’t Despair FAMILY OF NEW PALTZ COLLECTS TEXTILES

By Nathaniel Sheidlower Copy Editor | Sheidlon1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Although many consider ripped jeans to be in style, others don’t appreciated torn clothes and dispose of them regularly.

So much so that in New York State, over 1.4 billion pounds of clothes and textiles are trashed annually, according to federal reports.

The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection says these items, 85 percent of all unwanted textiles with an estimated market value of $200 milThe other 15 percent is recycled by organizations like the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA), who held a textile collection Saturday, Nov. 29 at their headquarters on South Putt Corners Road in New Paltz.

The event was part of a larger state wide recovery campaign sponsored by the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling in an effort to address the serious concern of textiles UCRRA recycling coordinator.

They collected clothing, bedding, shoes, pil-

lows, belts and even stuffed animals. These items were then sorted and distributed to local charities.

condition were sent to The Cyntex Company, a textile recycling center in Westchester, to be used for “This event is an important step in creating a new consciousness around sustainable consumption and in reaching a closed loop solution for unwanted Experts estimate that 95 percent of all cloth household items could be recycled; and in the recovery and recycling of all of them, 9,600 jobs would be created in New York State.

“Not only does this initiative prevent textiles sources and creates jobs, representing the best of the Laura Petit, recycling coordinator for the Town of New Paltz, said textile recycling is very important. It eliminates the long process of growThe items collected Saturday were split up among different charities based on the charities

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need.

Family of New Paltz received clothing and stuffed animals that were divided by men’s, womganization operates under Family of Woodstock Inc. to provide food, counseling, clothing and resources to anyone in need, according to their website.

The Ulster County SPCA received towels and sheets.

The Devereux Foundation, which provides services to children, adults and families with special needs, was given curtains, footwear and suspenders.

The Washbourne House is a 17-bed local home tial location, it provides individual and group support-counseling, case management, parenting and children’s services for all residents, according to its website. They received plenty of towels, comforters and twin size sheets.

Petit said the next event may be a clothing swap called “Swap for Success.” She said she got the idea from a few girls at the Lenape School who would constantly swap clothing so they would al-

Features

The New Paltz Oracle

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ANEWFuture In The Dimensions INNOVATIONS ARISE AND EXPAND IN NEW PALTZ | Copkova1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

SUNY New Paltz has taken a national lead in the

mailed Kushner back and came to New York to work with dshape.wordpress.com

Fresh Paltz

FRESH PALTZ’s mission is to document what some stylish people are wearing around the campus of SUNY New Paltz. #FreshPaltz Name: Owen Percoco Age: 22

Major: Hometown:

Owen wears lots of black with minimal colors, which works perfectly here. Most of his out-

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Journalism Is In Vogue

NOTEABLE WRITER AND EDITOR SHARES HIS CAREER PATH WITH STUDENTS where he is. He gave advice to people in attendance to

By Stephanie Ryba Contributing Writer | Rybas1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu the audience tips, such as to “pick something and be On Tuesday, Nov.18, the Honors Center at an expert at it, even if you are not an expert, pretend SUNY New Paltz hosted, “A Conversation with to be.”

Vogue writer and editor Jonathan Van Meter.” Van When asked about what he believes the future Meter is a writer and chief editor for Vogue Magazine of print publication looks like he said he is more optiand has had several articles published in the New York mistic now as print publication is beginning to stabiTimes Magazine, Esquire and Vanity Fair. Most of his lize. While print publication will not last forever, Van Meter said he believes magazines will be around for women, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Lady Gaga and a while longer. most recently, Amy Adams.

SUNY New Paltz assistant professor in the DigVan Meter kicked off the event giving a brief ital Media and Journalism Department, Lisa Phillips, background of himself and how he got his start in the was responsible for getting Van Meter to campus.

“I was thrilled,” she said. “More than 30 stutern at a local newspaper in Atlantic City, he moved to New York where he became an editor of 7 Days, a questions. We were going [with questions] for an magazine owned by Leonard A. Stern. After the fall hour and a half.” of 7 Days, Van Meter says his success came overnight Questions regarded controversial and ethical isas editors from Vogue and other highly acclaimed sues in the editorial world. He addressed these conmagazines wanted him on their team. In the end, he cerns by saying one should not publish something chose Vogue and worked for them for a short while. they do not feel right about. He gave an example of After a short stint as contributing editor of the a story he wrote on actress Julie Andrews; a personal now defunct Vibe magazine, he returned to Vogue story was told during an on-the-record interview that where he currently still works, writing six to eight was asked not to be used the next day. After strugfeature articles a year. He has also published his own gling with the decision of whether or not to use the book, “The Last Good Time,” and is currently in the story in question, Van Meter ultimately decided not to works of writing and publishing a memoir. print it as he did not feel right about it. This example The lecture event quickly became discussionshowed the audience that while something may be based when attendees had the chance to ask Van on-the-record, personal decisions must be made as to

Jonathan Van Meter discusses his career in New Paltz.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HONORS CENTER

and make them feel comfortable, all while keeping credibility.

-

Anne Jacobs, a fourth-year media programming and management student said she learned a lot from the talk.

“I learned it doesn’t get easier, it gets better,” she said. “It takes time but it will get better.”

and structure and also moving up, as well as what

Setting FIRE To Censorship FREE SPEECH ADVOCATE TALKS TOUGH TOPICS ON CAMPUS

By Sage Higgins Staff Writer | Higginss1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Free speech is a right many people think is always protected. But when looking a bit closer, people aren’t as free as they believe.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) mission to protect and sustain the individual rights at American colleges and universities from freedom of speech to religious liberty, according to their website.

FIRE works to protect and educate public and communities of concerned Americans about the threats to these rights on our campuses and the means to preserve them, according to their website.

Catherine Sevcenko, Associate Director of Litigation at FIRE, spoke at the “Know Your Rights Talk” at SUNY New Paltz on Thursday Nov. 20 in the Lecture Center about freedom of speech on campus.

“Know your rights and defend your rights be-

cause administrators are banking on that we don’t know the rights we’re given,” she said.

In her lecture, “Campus Advocacy and the First Amendment,” Sevcenko explained that students have the right to advocate for things such as ending drug regulations and having more or less government

Time, place and manner restrictions is a way for administrators to “shut you up,” she said.

Sevcenko discussed other college campuses that have designated free speech zones. On the other hand, she said SUNY New Paltz has this “amazing” policy that says no faculty, staff, student or autho-

they have the ability to protest on campus.

Sevcenko said there are “limits to the constitution, but not what administrators want us to think.”

FIRE goes through student handbooks and university rules to look for what is really there. Sevcenko said when they looked over SUNY New Paltz,

and can demonstrate wherever on campus.

Sevcenko’s view on technology in terms of freedom of speech has positives and negatives as well.

FIRE gives universities ratings. Red light, yellow light and green light. Red light means at least one policy substantially restricts freedom of speech.

SUNY New Paltz’s sexual harassment policy, which unwelcomes any conduct of a sexual nature, received

more complex,” she said. “Colleges and universities now try to enforce speech codes against speech on Facebook and Twitter. Furthermore, the fact that an opinion can spread so quickly through the Internet increases the chances that someone somewhere will be offended and complain. Of course, social media can also be a tremendous asset in defending free

Thursday, December 4, 2014

speech by exposing censorship.”

Sevcenko also discussed FIRE’s new Stand Up According to FIRE’s Stand Up For Speech website, by imposing a real cost for violating First Amendment rights, the Stand Up For Speech Litigarently push colleges towards censoring student and faculty speech.

This is done through lawsuits against public colleges maintaining unconstitutional speech codes in each federal circuit. After each victory by ruling or settlement, FIRE targets another school in the same circuit—sending a message that unless public colleges obey the law, they will be sued.

Sevcenko said, “Intellectual freedom compromised is intellectual freedom lost.”

More information about FIRE and the Stand Up and standupforspeech.com.

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CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLES PERFORM SUCCESSFUL SHOW

ensemble one, a fourth-year vocal jazz major with a tentative minor in philosophy was also enthusiastic about the chemistry among the group.

“I very much enjoyed the dynamic we achieved in rehersals

By Amya Pinka Copy Editor | Pinkaa1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

On Thursday, Nov. 20 SUNY New Paltz’s chamber jazz ensemble took the stage of the Julien J. Studley Theater at 8 p.m.

Adjunct Professor Jeff Siegel directed the concert. The concert featured ensemble one and two that played classic Jazz pieces by Duke Ellington and also surprised the audience with R&B tunes.

Students practiced for the concert twice a week for about an hour. Both the performers and Siegel chose the songs in the concert.

According to third-year Jonathan Francke, a jazz performance major that played bass in ensemble one said Siegel brought in tunes that the performers chose from, and performers Gary Patrik and Jeremiah Mahoney brought in “Stars Fell on Alabama” and “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat.” Ensemble two opened the show with a classic jazz tune “Bag’s Groove” by Milt Jackson. Other songs performed by ensemble two included “St Thomas” by Sonny Rollins, “Peel Me a Grape” by Dave Frishberg and they closed their set with “Take Five” by Paul Desmond.

Second-year creative writing and history double major Orr Klein really liked ensemble two’s performance of “St. Thomas.”

“How they used the steel drum was really cool and impressive,” Klein said.

The second performance by ensemble one began their act in a very unique way that grabbed the audience’s attention.

Third-year music major, Jeremiah Mahoney made his entrance to the stage as he laid out in the front of the stage. The music began to play, other musicians came from behind the curtain and Mahoney jumped up energetically which ex-

Photo Courtesy of Flickr User Roger Smith

cited the crowd and the band.

Such energy can be credited to the chemistry in the band that was apparent to the audience members.

Francke, who plays in a jazz and R&B band called Oakwood Underground, said the band got along really well because many

have previously played together in classes and other ensembles.

“There was always so much energy in everything we played to the point where some of our rehearsals were just as fun and exciting as the show itself,” he said.

Casey Richards, vocalist of

Thursday, December 4, 2014

my active participation. We were very lucky to have clicked on personal and professional levels and I think that came across in our performance,” Richards said.

Paul Brown, a second year psychology major enjoyed “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” and “Afro Blue,” performed by ensemble one. “[Richards] spoke French in ‘Everybody Wants to Be a Cat’ and that was really amazing. The song was smooth and dancey,” Brown said.

Richards, also a vocalist in both the coed and all female A Capella groups on campus and lead singer of local band Keys to the Moon, found it tough to pick a favorite piece to perform with the band.

“Maybe ‘St. James’,” she said.

“I really liked our arrangement and energy on that tune. Although ‘Afro Blue’ might be a close second, partially because the style of it was very different from the rest and partially because I loved listening to Russell [Hartman] solo his face off [on the Tenor Saxophone].”

Both Richards and Mahoney were very enthusiastic about Professor Siegel as the director of the concert.

Richards said she loved working with Professor Siegel.

“I think he did an excellent job of providing guidance and expert advice while simultaneously allowing us to explore our own musical knowledge and preferences,” she said.

“Jeff is my favorite ensemble teacher I’ve ever had,” Mahoney said.

The New Paltz Oracle

Arts & Entertainment

Halo: Combat “Remastered” AWARD-WINNING FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER SERIES HITS THE XBOX ONE

By Russell Hartman A&E Editor | Rhartman@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

When Halo: Combat Evolved was released in 2001 for the original Xbox consoles, no one could have imagined the storm that was to follow. Gamers ate up the story of Master Chief and his quest to end the threat of the Covenant and the Flood. Halo ever released and, along with its three sequels, has garnered critical acclaim from game critics and series were released on the original Xbox console, while the third and fourth games were both released for the Xbox 360. Now, 13 years after the original release of Halo: Combat Evolved, all four games have been collected and placed on a single disc and it is one of the best collections ever released for a video game console.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection, released on the Xbox One console on Nov. 11, 2014, collects all four games in the Halo series. It includes the newly revamped version of Halo 2 known as Halo 2: Anniversary, and features some of the best gameplay, visuals and storytelling that has ever graced a series of video games. The collection was

developed by 343 studios.

The main campaigns have remained relatively unchanged despite graphical overhaul to Halo 2.

Landing on Halo, defending planet Earth, speeding around worlds in the drivers seat of a Warthog and mowing down Covenant and Flood is just as fun now as it was all those years ago.

All four campaigns and multiplayer run at 1080p and 60 frames per second. The anniversary edition of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 3 and Halo 4 all look exceptional and play just as well as they have in the past. The one big difference that the collection gives gamers is the addition of Halo 2: Anniversary.

Updated graphics and revamped cutscenes make Halo 2: Anniversary even better than the original release. The revamped cutscenes are extremely good looking. The graphics of the campaign have also been upgraded and look really good as well. If gamers want to enjoy Halo 2 in its original glory, they can press a button on the Xbox One controller

Evolved Anniversary.

Halo: Nightfall is included with the collection

and is made available to watch through the Halo Channel. Halo: Nightfall is a mini-series produced

by Ridley Scott and David W. Zucker and directed

by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan. According to halowaypoint.com, “Halo: Nightfall provides insight into the origin and backstory of legendary manhunter Agent Locke. [He is a] a pivotal new character in the Halo universe and will play a key role in Halo 5: Guardians.” Some of the cutscenes in Halo 2: Anniversary further introduce the character of Jameson Locke into the Halo universe.

Another big feature of the Master Chief Collection is that each copy of the game includes an invitation to the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta. The beta is scheduled to start on Dec. 29, 2014 and end on Jan. 18, 2015. The beta will be the version of any aspect of Halo 5.

A big part of the Halo series has always been the multiplayer. Modes such as Slayer, Team Slayer and Capture the Flag have been series staples from the beginning and all return in the collection. One of the best things about the collection is you can now have map and mode playlists featuring all four games. One session you’ll be playing on Blood

“U”, Me, “Wii” All Smash SMASH BROS IS A HIT ON THE NINTENDO WII U

By Karl Evers-Hillstrom Copy Editor | Kevershillstrom@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U makes the 3DS version seem like absolute rubbish. Actually, it makes most games seem like absolute rubbish.

The actual gameplay and mechanics are nearly identical to those of the 3DS version, with slight changes that include smaller blast zones and minor changes to character balance.

When it comes to features and content however, it blows the handheld version out of the water.

The most noteworthy addition to the Wii U version is 8-player Smash, allowing up to eight players to brawl together. For too long people have had to sit out of games during smash sessions, but now everyone can play at once...unless you have nine players.

Players have more stages to choose from, including HD versions of classics from past games.

Smash Tour is a new game mode, a board game reminiscent of Mario Party that will likely ruin friendships. Other Wii U exclusive modes include events, special orders and crazy orders.

The control options for Smash Wii U are im-

pressive. Players can play with any Wii controllers, Wii U controllers including the Wii U gamepad or gamecube controllers if they purchase the Wii U GameCube controller adapter.

The GameCube controller adapter makes everything feel so much better. Any veteran smasher who played Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl has played with a GameCube controller for more than a decade, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

With that said, both the Wii U gamepad and pro controller play very nicely. The gamepad is especially nice because you can play the game without even needing a TV. With the Wii U set up in my suite’s common room, I can play off-screen on the gamepad from anywhere in the suite. I found there was no input lag on the Wii U gamepad, making it a legitimately great controller.

Smash Wii U is breathtakingly gorgeous, boasting 1080p visuals with fantastic lighting and stunning character models. Like every other Smash title, it runs at 60 frames per second, to enSmash Wii U has a solid netcode, unlike its predecessor Brawl. Although online battles will

when both players have a stable internet connection. A plethora of diverse online modes keep the experience entertaining, and online tournaments will be added in early 2015.

Smash Wii U has incredible balance and feel.

It plays like a hybrid of Melee and Brawl, and takes elements from both games. Whereas Melee favored an offensive, rushdown style and Brawl favored defense and camping, Smash Wii U allows players to use either approach most of the time.

This is a game that anybody can enjoy. It contains almost no advanced techniques that are competitive play this time around without having to worry about practicing for hours on end. Strategy is more important than being quicker or more technical than your opponent. Analyzing your opponent’s patterns and weaknesses and punishing accordingly is very important in Smash Wii U. There are way less gimmicks for players to abuse more fair, and victory is deserved more often.

Many competitive players are unhappy about the lack of advanced techniques in Smash Wii U, competitive play. I understand their opinion and

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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Xbox one 9.5/10 Amazing Gulch from Halo: Combat Evolved and the next you’ll be taken to the snowy buildings of lockout from Halo 2: Anniversary. Having over 100 multiplayer maps from all four games is one of the premier features of the collection and ensures that gamers will not get bored due to lack of content.

The Collection also includes a documentary known as “Remaking A Legend - Halo 2: Anniversary.” The documentary is about an hour long and follows 343 studios and their collaborators in their quest to bring Halo 2 to the Xbox One. My one problem with the collection is that the matchmaking multiplayer system is sometimes wonky and took quite a bit of time for a match to load. 343 studios has publicly commented on the issue and they are currently working on patches that

good games in general, own an Xbox One or someone who just wants to dive back into the Halo universe after being away for awhile, this collection is for you. It’s easily one of the top titles on the Xbox for quite sometime while Halo 5: Guardians is being developed.

wii u 10/10 LEGENDARY respect it, but they must realize that Smash was the market. Creator Masahiro Sakurai wanted to make sure that all players could experience every facet of the game, including competitive play. Advanced techniques that require immense practice create a barrier to entry for many players who would otherwise enjoy playing competitively. Removing these barriers ensures more players will delve into competitive play, which is a positive in my book.

Even if you don’t approve of Smash Wii U’s competitive potential, it is indisputable that the game is fun. It appeals to everyone. Anybody who doesn’t enjoy Smash Wii U at some level must not like video games very much.

Smash Wii U is one of the best multiplayer experiences in the history of gaming. Whether it’s the unfathomable chaos of 8-player-smash or thrilling challenge of one versus one, Smash Wii U delivers a perfect experience.

Smash Wii U is one of the best games I have ever played. With a proper controller, HD graphics, improved balance and more features, Smash Wii U far suprasses the 3DS version, unlocking the true potential of Smash.

The New Paltz Oracle

Arts & Entertainment

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Ruby and Sapphire get a Mega Evolution CLASSIC GAMES RE-IMAGINED FOR 3DS

By Russell Hartman and Karl Evers-Hillstrom A&E Editor | Rhartman@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu Copy Editor | Kevershillstrom@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

In 2003, Nintendo released Pokemon Ruby Version and Pokemon Sapphire Version on the Gameboy Advance (GBA). Both games were critically acclaimed and carried on the tradition of capturing, training and battling with pokemon, both new and old, in a world where every kids’ dream is to be the Pokemon League Champion.

Fast forward to 2014 and we now have Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire. Released on the Nintendo 3DS, both games have updated graphics and new gameplay mechanics but still features the same core game playthat pokemon fans know and love.

Don’t let the title fool you, this is a brand-new pokemon game, not a remake. Although it takes place in the same region as the original Ruby and Sapphire and features most of the same pokemon, there are new twists that separate the 3DS titles from their GBA ancestors. Making a return from Pokemon X and Y, Mega Evolutions are back and play a big role. Region favorites such as Metagross, Latios, Latias and Rayquaza can all megaevolve, increasing their power to stupid levels of awesome. Legendary pokemon Groudon and Kyogre also have new forms thanks to primal reversion, a mechanic that increases their power provided they hold the correct item.

Little new features were included such as sneaking, allowing the player to sneak up on rare pokemon and the eon around on Latios and Latias.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire do a great job bringing out nostalgia from veterans of the original GBA games. The opening sequence features the main character playing a copy of Ruby/Sapphire on a Gameboy SP. The games take place in the land of Hoenn and, like previous Pokemon games, features eight gyms, a main legendary pokemon and a villainous team

buy Omega Ruby, you’ll try to stop Team Magma from using the power of Primal Groudon to make the landmasses on Earth grow uncontrollably. If you opt to buy Alpha Sapphire, you’ll try to stop Team Aqua from using the power of Primal Kyogre to cover the world in water. Along the way, you’ll battle your rival, meet new friends, capture pokemon both new and old and eventually, head to the pokemon league and become champion.

Gameplay does nothing to stray from the usual pokemon formula, and that’s not a bad thing. Creator Game Freak focused on expanding features rather than change the iconic rubric.

Therefore, players can capture nearly every legendary pokemon ever between Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon X and Y. You’ve never been able to catch as many legendary pokemon as you can in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

Possibly the greatest addition to Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is the Delta Episode. After you become Pokemon League Champion, your character gets involved in a brand new story that, without spoiling too much, leads you and your pokemon to outer space in order to stop a threat to the earth. Yes, you read that right, outer space. The Delta Episode contains some of the strongest pokemon in the game and possibly the strongest pokemon in the history of the series, Mega Rayquaza. New characters are introduced and there are twists and turns which will leave the player wanting more which is what games should strive for.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire also feature the return of Pokemon Contests. Pokemon compete by are judged on their performance. This provides a way to use pokemon in the game that doesn’t require battling and is very similar to the contests in the GBA games.

There are only a couple small

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MUSICIAN OF THE WEEK: Samika Jeffrey YEAR: Senior MAJOR: Afrikan Studies/ Sociology HOMETOWN: Staten Island,N.Y.

share makes the game way too easy by leveling up all of your party pokemon quickly. You can turn it off, but you won’t, because then you have to WHAT’S YOUR INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE? go back to training each pokemon inMy voice, I’m a spoken word poet. dividually, which is a grind. The game could have been better balanced with the experience share, as it is far too WHAT ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH MUSICALLY? easy with the item turned on, and a chore with it turned off.

I love music but I wouldn’t consider The lack of a battle frontier is an- myself a musician. I love attending other small gripe. The battle frontier concerts with live bands was an endgame area in Ruby and Sapphire’s GBA successor Pokemon Emerald that allowed players to face WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? diverse challenges after they defeated the elite four. Although Omega Ruby Buddhists, sociologists, afrikan spiritualists. and Alpha Sapphire feature the Battle Maison, it is somewhat unfortunate the WHO HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING TO LATELY? Battle Frontier was not included, as it adds more depth to the game.

These small gripes are not enough Lately I’ve been listening to Mahdi Jorto warrant a negative review. These are dan, he’s a great artist ...love his music; tiny nitpicks that truly represent how it’s so relaxing. special these games are.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire WHAT’S YOUR PLAN FOR THE FUTURE? are prime examples of how good Pokemon games are. The story is intriguing Getting out of New York and and the most entertaining in series histraveling the world. tory, the gameplay mechanics remain solid and the new features compliment the core mechanics in great new ways. ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS? Pokemon is all about evolution, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire rep- Speak from the soul and hopefully others will understand you resent this perfectly. They are an evolution on the classic formula that continues to satisfy fans of all ages. Like any creature going through evolution, the Pokemon series is always adapting, not to survive, but to succeed.

NINTENDO 3ds

CHECK OUT SAMIKA JEFFREY PERFORMING BY SCANNING THIS CODE WITH ANY SMARTPHONE!

10/10 Legendary

Thursday, December 4, 2014

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MUSICIAN OF THE WEEK? Contact Russell Hartman at Rhartman@hawkmail.newpaltz. edu

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The Deep enD

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THIS WEEK IN

THE DEEP END ASHLEIGH THOMAS Major: BFA Ceramics & Art Education Year: Fourth Inspiration: Maria Kristofferson, Zimra Beiner, Rae Dunn, Lilly Zuckerman, Joe Pintz “I make to create a conversation between objects and people. My work gravitates toward domestic spaces and intimate memories. Clay can be fragile, honest and humble, loud and quiet; it allows for cadency and movement. I use my print to develop a language and recall these fleeting moments.”

Photos courtesy of Ashleigh Thomas | Captions by Maxwell Reide

The New Paltz Oracle

Editorial

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amicablE assEmbling

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CARTOON BY JULIE GUNDERSEN

Following the announcement of a Missouri court's decision to not indict Darren Wilson, the City of Ferguson pounarmed black teenager Michael Brown, SUNY New Paltz students rallied in protest in front of the campus' University Police Department condemning what they believed to be an injustice.

We at The New Paltz Oracle laud the students’ passion on this pressing issue, having united under a common cause for what they believe is right. We also commend the organizers and demonstrators for remaining civil and peaceful in their actions at a time when emotions and tensions were high, especially considering other protests around the country which have taken a destructive turn.

When individuals feel personally connected to an event it is easy to be

caught in the moment and take rash action. However, this often makes matters worse and takes away from the issue at hand. We are thankful the students were aware of this and expressed their feelings in a way that can be absorbed by outside bodies without resorting to extreme measures.

It is vitally important to utilize our democratic right of expressing personal beliefs. This is most critical when your moral convictions of right and wrong are being challenged. We are glad to see that students stay informed on current issues to participate in their progress toward change. This is among the best ways to have your voice as an individual be known and make a difference.

When these individual voices join in

it was the largest attended event they have ever seen during their time at New Paltz. Going forward, we hope that students will inform themselves on multiple social issues and that a large scale national incident is not the only time they decide to be involved in the discussion.

Nowadays, people often engage with social media to share what is on their mind and topics such as this are no exception. However, the end result is no more than a text rant posted into the aether, evading the face-to-face discussion and engagement crucial to inciting actual change. We commend New Paltz students for using social media as a tool to promote an actual physical response to the verdict as opposed to simply sitting behind a computer screen.

With only a couple of weeks remain-

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ing in the fall semester, we hope students will use the momentum of this event to continue advocating for their beliefs on this issue and not forget or ignore what has transpired just because college will no longer be in session. Leaders on campus should emphasize this sentiment the discussion alive in students' minds both over the winter break and when they return to campus in the spring.

Editorials represent the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Columns, op-eds and letters, excluding editorials, are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The New Paltz Oracle members, the campus and university or the Town or Village of New Paltz.

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JENNIFERNEWMAN Features Editor

Jnewman46@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Love is a roller coaster. That’s what we are told for our entire lives, isn’t it?

Love will build you up to break you down your prince or princess and live happily ever after.

But where is the line between the normal roller coaster of emotions in a relationship and emotional abuse?

Someone wise once told me that a relationship should be mutual respect and consideration with some arguments rather than consistent abuse followed by apologies.

No one wants to deal with a relationship version of Kingda Ka. But when you are in a situation where one day your loved one is absent, cold and uninterested and the next day is talking about wanting a future with you, it can be hard to determine whether or not you’re in a healthy relationship.

Personally, I forgive (but never forget), which often times leads to me getting my heart crushed by expectations.

In a healthy and serious relationship, the commitment cannot pause when it is inconvenient or when better company presents itself. And lies are just unacceptable. the U.S. Department of Justice, any undermining of an individual's sense of selfworth and/or self-esteem is emotional

Dear Editor: Election Day has passed, the science is in, and now it’s time for Gov. Cuomo to permanently put to sleep the noxious idea of hydraulic fracturing in New York State.

Hydrofracking uses millions of gallons of water for each well, which we While we are focusing our efforts to keep up with the demand for energy, we

OPINION

COLUMN

The New Paltz Oracle

ROLLER COASTER OF LOVE abuse. This may include, but is not limited to constant criticism, diminishing one's abilities or name-calling.

People have a misconception that because they are not physically abusive to their partner, putting them down or causing them emotional pain isn’t that bad.

Wrong.

If someone makes you feel like you are doing something wrong when you speak up, to the point where you are the one who apologizes, it is NOT okay.

It may seem cut and dry on paper, but in reality there are so many emotions, future plans and hopes involved in every relationship that makes it hard to actually see abuse. Ask yourself these questions: Do you go to Yik Yak to tell people how sad you are because of your partner consistently? Does your partner not notice or care how you feel? Do they tell you that your opinion or feelings are “wrong”? Do you instead of taking responsibility for their actions and attitudes?

If the answers to these (or most of these) questions is yes, then you are not in a healthy relationship. Plain and simple on paper, yes. But the solutions in the mind of someone being taken advantage of can make it seem like it is all in their head, that they’re overreacting or over thinking.

It is a quite literal case of it’s not you, it’s them.

And if you have had discussions about changing with no success, most likely there won’t be any change in the future.

It can be overwhelming not being in control of such a big part of your life, sometimes this even leads to physical illness from the stress.

Emotional abuse and neglect can make you feel like you want to tighten the reigns tighter and try harder, but the fact is, the only thing you can control is yourself. Your partner ignores your needs?

Don’t just accept it anymore.

When you are on a roller coaster, you have no control. You spiral, drop and it can even make you sick.

The only control you have in an abusive situation is yourself. Whether that means taking some time apart, doing more things with friends or focusing on work, you need to take control of your life. In the end it is up to you whether or not you want to end your relationship, do not let other people try to make that decision for you.

I am the kind of person who falls and falls hard and fast. But there is nothing wrong with taking time apart and experiencing how someone else may treat you.

Whether it is better or worse, it could give

OP-ED

need to keep in mind that it is inevitable that someday, locating and supplying fresh water is going to be even more of a challenge. We can no longer afford to risk our most important natural and limited resource: water.

The world is faced with a crisis to lage of New Paltz is struggling to supply enough water to its residents - a problem brought to the forefront with the ten week closure of the Catskill Aqueduct.

Our small village cannot even come up

with a viable water source to run on for the short time period of two and a half months. If fracking were to take place in New York, we would be having an an adequate water supply. In Wyoming, gas companies are outbidding farmers for what has become an endangered resource. Do we want our local municipalities bidding against corporate giants for water rights?

The best way to achieve social and environmental justice is through the gov-

Thursday, December 4, 2014

clarity to the situation. Abusive relationships are not worth the stress and physical toll they cause. In order to truly be in a healthy loving relationship, you have to love and be okay with yourself.

No, relationships are not like a roller coaster. They are like the little quarter rides outside of supermarkets. There are some bumps in the road, but you can always take control and get off.

I will always be a believer in happy endings and happily ever afters, but it is not possible to have those things when your relationship is one-sided. If you are a strong enough person to have love to give to someone else, you deserve to be respected and loved in return. Don’t settle for the roller coaster.

If you think you are in an abusive relationship and need to to talk, if you are a student at SUNY New Paltz, you can contact the Psychological Counseling Center at 845-257-2920.

Jennifer Newman is a fourth-year journalism student who has a lot of opinions. She hopes to one day live happily ever after with a tall drink of water who treats her well. She loves watching Once Upon A Time and “Supernatural.” She eats anything with cheese on it, but prefers mac ‘n cheese above all things in life. Her motto is, “You do you.”

ernmental system. Cuomo owes it to his many citizens who voted for him in the hope he would make the right decision the decision to ban fracking. Don’t leave our next governor with a water shortage crisis; energy supply problems are much more manageable.

Alexandra Miller (949) 910-4194 NYPIRG

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11

SPORTS The New Paltz Oracle

ON THE BOARD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ED DILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Sports Editor |

The Men’s basketball team entered season with a 74-57 victory over Mount Saint Mary College on Tuesday, Nov. 25. week’s matchup, the Mount Saint Mary Knights held the lead over the Hawks 33-29. New Paltz came back for the win in the second half, notching a 17-point victory. The Hawks led the way in rebounds in the matchup with 45 over the Knights’ 34 and a 51.9 shooting percentage.

Fourth-year co-Captain R.J. Rosa tied with fellow fourth-year co-Captain Taylor Sowah in game-high points, both totalling in at 20. Sowah also grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds, and Rosa was just behind with 12 total in the matchup.

Third-year co-Captain Kevin Roach reached another double-digit marker by scoring 11 points for the Hawks.

The Hawks’ offense has been lacking so far this season, according to second-year guard/forward Joe Tino – but in this game, he said, New Paltz stepped up their esteem in offense and paid it off for the win.

“In our previous games, we had been playing great defense but we were having trouble putting the ball in the basket,” Tino said. “After halftime against able on offense and really executed our plays well, which led to us scoring over 40 points in the second half.”

After returning from break with a 1-4 record, the Hawks will begin SUNYAC play as they travel to Plattsburgh to take on the Cardinals on Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The Cardinals tally in at

4-1 so far in the season. The following day, New Paltz plays the SUNY Potsdam Bears at 2 p.m., who currently hold a 1-2 season record.

Head Coach Mike Rejniak said that the Hawks are well prepared for the SUNYAC opener since they’ve had a full week of practice time after break, whereas Plattsburgh and Potsdam both had games to play on Tuesday.

“Preparation is going to be crucial – I think we’ve been preparing and we’ve got some new stuff that we can actually put in time to work on and move forward,” Rejniak said. “Our goal is to win both, very simple, but we have to take it one game at a time. We play Plattsburgh, who is very good, on Friday night and then we’ll take it from there.

One step at a time.”

In terms of preparation for this weekend, the team is pinpointing three

Thursday, December 4, 2014

key aspects of their game, Rosa said.

Their main focus is on Plattsburgh since they pose as a more challenging opponent who is predicted to win their conference, he said.

“Globally, we want to slow [the competition] down, outrebound them and IQ them to death,” Rosa said. “If we execute those three things, we will come out 2-0 this weekend.”

Sowah agreed.

“We do realize these games will be crucial to our record and we are looking to keep our play from last game to transfer it to the weekend,” he said. “Our goal for this weekend is to sweep the two teams. It hasn’t been done in New able.”

Sports Copy Editor Melissa Kramer contributed reporting to this story.

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Women’s Basketball Shoots for SUNYAC Wins

By Melissa Kramer Copy Editor | Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The Women’s basketball team has won two of their last three games and are preparing for the start of their SUNYAC season.

The Hawks won the Wesleyan Tournament championship on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Middletown, Connecticut.

Nov. 21, the Hawks defeated Purchase College 76-46, going on a 28-5 run to take a 46-19 halftime advantage. With 11:42 remaining in the game, the Hawks took possession of a 47-point lead when the score was 68-21. scored 12 points for the Hawks. Second-year forward Courtney Irby scored 11 points, while grabbing nine rebounds. Rebounds were key to year forward Norvonee Hall grabbed a teamhigh 11 rebounds and third-year forward Ana Morel notched ten coming off the bench. The Hawks scored 50 points total by players off the

bench.

The Hawks’ win in this matchup was the largest margin of victory for New Paltz since defeating The College at Brockport by 48 points on Jan. 20, 2012.

The following day, the Hawks defeated host Wesleyan University 50-48.

Hawks second-year guard/forward Kit Small put up a team-high 15 points in the win. Small was named the Tournament MVP rebounds-per-game during the two-day event. boards and was named to the All-Tournament Team, averaging 8 points-per-game and 9 rebounds-per-game.

After winning two games that weekend, the Hawks were defeated 69-66 by Mount Saint Mary College on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Going into halftime of the home-opener, the Hawks lead the Knights 37-34. Coming out of halftime, the Hawks never led by more than

Small recorded a double-double scoring a game-high 18 points and hauling in 14 rebounds. New Paltz previously defeated Mount Saint Mary 61-40 in the consolation game of the Emmanuel Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Head Coach Jamie Seward said the team is still struggling shooting the ball, but continue to defend well. If the team defends the rebound, then they will be in every game, regardless of how they shoot the ball, he said.

“Overall, we have a really strong group of leaders who have really set that tone and understand now, having what they gone through, what it means to bring it every day and the importance of it,” Seward said.

The Hawks now have a record of 3-3 and next begin a three-game road trip as they open up SUNYAC conference play against SUNY Walker said the team is trying to focus on improving the areas that have been weaker in

Thursday, December 4, 2014

be ready for conference games. This includes rebounding, defensive rotations and overall communication, she said.

“We’re just trying to learn from the mistakes we made in the last game against Mount Saint Mary,” she said. “We’re just going to try and sharpen up the areas we need to in order to be able to compete at a high level against some really good conference teams.”

Seward said regardless of what happens tough loss, they need to come back ready to play on Saturday.

“Going back up there [to Plattsburgh] and knowing how important it is to get off on the right foot and get off to a strong start in conference play,” he said. “Both teams understand that. We’re going to have to play very well.

We’ll certainly have to play our best game of the season to have a chance to even be competitive, let alone win. We’re going to really have to bring our top-level performance on both nights to have a chance to go out there and win.”

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13

Men’s Swimming Tallies Cross-River Victory

The Men’s swimming team competes in the three-day MIT Invitational this weekend.

By Michael Rosen

PHOTO BY ALI MATTHEWS

Rob Cahn also contributed to the win,

Copy Editor | Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The Men’s swimming team defeated their cross-river rival Vassar College 169-92 in their home-opener on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Elting Pool. The Hawks won 9 of the 14 events, boosting their overall record to 2-0.

First-year Marc Piliero and thirdyear Will Koenig led the way for the Hawks by taking wins in two individ100 yard backstroke (57.12) and the 200 yard backstroke (2:04.17). Koenig won the 50 yard (22.17) and the 100 yard freestyles (49.74).

Fourth-year Jack Spader, thirdyear Rod Taskindoust and second-year

Spader won the 1,000 yard freestyle (10:23.12), Taskindoust had the best time in the 200 yard freestyle (1:53.

08) and Cahn claimed the victory in the 500 yard freestyle (5: 19.17).

Head Coach Scott Whitbeck said this win has shown growth among the team after falling to Vassar last season.

“It is always exciting to beat our cross-river rivals at Vassar,” Whitbeck said. “Our team split in competition against [them] last season so it was great to see how improved our program is from last year.”

Spader said that a large part of the team’s success this year has been their

large, in-depth roster, which consists of 27 swimmers as opposed to last year’s 15.

“I think that the biggest asset to this team is its size,” Spader said. “This means that unlike many times in the past, we can focus on two or three races that we have. An advantage to having such a big team is that we can recruit more talented swimmers, [which] puts gest competitors, Cortland and Geneseo.”

The Hawks have not defeated Geneseo since Jan. 12, 2005. New Paltz was victorious in their meet against Cortland last year, which was their

Thursday, December 4, 2014

2005.

Next on the schedule for the Hawks is the three-day MIT Invitational that will run from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Despite the tough task at hand, Whitbeck said he looks to keep his team well-rested after coming home from the Thanksgiving break.

“This is likely the best competition we will face all season and we are hoping to represent well,” he said. “Our program this week is unlike any other fall week. We will not be lifting or doing any other strength work, and our training in the pool will get easier as the week continues so that we are fresh for the meet this weekend.”

SPORTS

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LAGGED Alief@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

Jets fans, we only have four weeks of misery left … for this year, at least.

The Jets lost to the Miami Dolphins 16-13 on Monday Night Football in typical Jets’ fashion. Going into the fourth quarter, the Jets were winning 13-6, and in the fourth quarter they let the Dolphins score 10 unanswered points on their way to the win.

Quarterback Geno Smith returned as the team’s starter. It was reported by The New York Daily News that it was the Jets’ management’s decision and not the coaching staff’s. Since it was not Head Coach Rex Ryan and Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s decision to start Smith, they gave team management a big “f*** you” by only allowing Smith to throw 13 times as opposed to running the ball 49 times.

Smith and quarterback Michael

The New Paltz Oracle

Zero Hope in JetsVille Vick are clearly incapable of being productive starting NFL quarterbacks, so I think it’s time to play third-string quarterback Matt Simms. The team is 2-10 and has nothing to lose at this point in the season, so let Simms play and see if he has any potential as a long-term answer going forward.

The best play of the game was when wide receiver Greg Salas ran for a 20-yard touchdown on a reverse play. Of course, he managed to injure his hamstring on the play and was unable to play for the rest of the game. seen the Jets execute a trick play since Brad Smith played for the team.

In his postgame press conference, Rex Ryan sounded like a defeated man who knows his time left with this organization is running out.

“Man, damn, I can’t believe we’re

2-10. What a joke,” Ryan said.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch reported earlier this week that television networks are preparing to offer Ryan between $3 to $5 million a year as an NFL analyst. So either if he’s coaching another team next season or working on television, Ryan will be making a nice living once his

rently 5-7 and have been playing better since quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returned from his ankle injury.

If it were any other team, Ryan

will ruin his future development as a player in the NFL. He will throw three interceptions before Ryan benches him for Michael Vick again to further embarrass the organization.

Bridgewater will throw four touchdowns and have his best day yet as a professional quarterback as he tears apart the Jets’ lackluster secondary.

So start drinking now, Jets fans.

It’s going to be another long Sunday afternoon.

don’t have any capable assistants who could even be considered a good choice to be the interim head coach.

Plus, Owner Woody Johnson loves til the last minute.

This Sunday, the Jets will play the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota, which should be the lowest rated game of the weekend. The Vikings are cur-

have a chance of winning, but as usuand they will lose. The Vikings will win 31-14.

Smith will start again and continue

11/11/14, 2:49 PM

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The New Paltz Oracle

Home Isles Advantage Kramerm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu

The Islanders just keep on winning.

Defeating rival Pittsburgh Penguins in both games of a home-and-home series from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22 was huge. Winning both games of a home-and-home series, especially against the Penguins, is something that probably would not have happened in season’s past. The Isles home half of the series sounded exactly like Game 6 of the the Penguins I was in attendance for. It was deja vu all over again. If the Coliseum crowd can be sold out and be as exuberant as they have been, I know something great is happening this season.

The Islanders are an entirely different team this season. They are for real. The ways to win nearly every game. Most importantly, they are not giving in.

The crowd at the Nassau Coliseum is the equivalent of an electric playoff atmosphere. I was in attendance at the Wednesday, Nov. 26 overtime win against the

SPORTS

15

Isles Snag Record-Best November in Decades Defensemen are still contributing as well. during the Capitals game at the Coliseum. ability to keep Capitals Captain Alexander Ovechkin off the scoreboard. It would have been heartbreaking to see the Isles lose the game in overtime. I was very impressed with the performance I got to see. After the game was over and I was walking out of the Coliseum, cheers of “Let’s Go Islanders!” and “First Place!” rang out from fans in unison. At that moment, the Isles were tied the Metropolitan Division. I have not heard that ever in my life before. ning streak with a loss in the road game of a home-and-home series against the Washington Capitals, the Isles were back at it as The team sure showed their tenacity and improvement on the penalty kill. After playing six games in nine days, the team

I have not seen or heard anything as loud at a game since I was in attendance for the last playoff game the Isles played in.

The “kid” line really stepped up. Anders Lee scored a goal and even participated in

a 2-1 lead in the third period, they could have just throw in the towel. With less than a minute remaining in the game, the Isles

assists, including setting-up Captain John Tavares’ game-winner in overtime. Lee tallied another goal the following day. Nelson

Devils outshot the Isles 16-1 in the third

bomir Visnovsky were placed on the injured

his personal record winning streak from

All three guys threw their bodies in front of

when leading going into the third period. from all angles. Isles defensemen have this season. Last season, Isles defenseman

son.

To be honest, every line contributed in time in their most recent game on Tuesday, line, there was no lack of hustle throughout the duration of the game. This is something else that has changed this season compared to season’s past. If the team was down or momentum shifted in the opponent’s favor, they would just give up.

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wins after the team’s most recent win.

I mentioned the curse of November for the Isles last season in my last column. The Isles already hot defensive core as a result of his only played three games this season making Forward Michael Grabner who has not seen action in a game all season has been activated from the injured reserve list. Grabner will bring his lightning-fast speed to the linekill as well.

points on the night. Also, the Isles have a

streak, including three shutouts dating back

Thursday, December 4, 2014

This is the best start to a season in franchise history. be played on Thursday, Dec. 4 against the time this season that the Isles will play the same opponent in consecutive games.

After that, the Isles play four games against the Western Conference beginning with a

SPORTS

WHAT’S INSIDE

Women’s Basketball to Begin SUNYAC Play PAGE 12

AIMING

Men’s Swimming Trumps Vassar in Home Opener PAGE 13

HIGH MEN’S BASKETBALL LOOKS TO SHUTOUT SUNYAC COMPETITION : PAGE 11

MAIN AND UPPER PHOTO COURTESY OF ED DILLER PHOTOGRAPHY LOWER PHOTO BY ALI MATTHEWS

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